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Cahill calls for calm

Tim Cahill says there is no need to panic despite Australia requiring some last-gasp heroics to salvage a 2-2 draw with Oman on Tuesday.

The Socceroos appeared headed for an embarrassing and costly World Cup qualifying defeat when they trailed 2-0 early in the second half to the 105th-ranked minnows.

But just as he has done on so many occasions in the past, Cahill popped up with a trademark headed goal to get Australia back into the contest before a Brett Holman strike salvaged a draw five minutes from time.

It was a horribly disjointed performance by Holger Osieck's side in Sydney, especially in the first half, punctuated by sloppy passing and poor options.

With skipper Lucas Neill suspended, Osieck surprisingly turned to Michael Thwaite and Robbie Cornthwaite in central defence, while giving James Holland the nod over Mark Bresciano in midfield.

While the less experienced members of the side failed to deliver on the big stage, Cahill said it was important to stay positive and look forward with optimism.

"We have to stick together. We got a point and we have to drive and go again," Cahill said.

"This is a young team besides me, (Mark Schwarzer) and (Luke Wilkshire) who are the old timers.

"It's not the same team as was before but I stay confident. We've just got to keep going.

"We trained well all week but it's all about producing. It's not going to happen straight away but we can't panic

"We have to stick to what we're doing. It's didn't work in the first half so we need to give a bit more."